Yafet Askale under normal and ultraviolet light (Photo: Reuters/Handout)

The Metropolitan Police in London, U.K. recently caught a would-be car thief using some sneaky technology. Yafet Askale, 28, broke into a car that police had parked in the northwestern part of the city back in June in a bid to catch thieves.

The vehicle was rigged with a sprayer that secretly covered Askale with a dye that's only visible under ultraviolet light.

When he was apprehended, Askale denied that he had entered the vehicle — but under ultraviolets, the dye appeared, as you can see in the photograph.

The green-faced evidence, as well as some stolen items that were in his possession, led to a guilty verdict. He was sentenced to 49 hours of community service and ordered to pay £400 ($670) in costs.

Police released photos of Askdale to deter other potential thieves, saying they had set up similar traps in both cars and houses in the area. They are also providing the kits to residents so they can mark their properties.

Via Reuters